Kyril Louis-Dreyfus sent a clear message as Sunderland's old ghosts return to haunt them at Shrewsbury

Sunderland’s defeat at Shrewsbury Town was littered was talking points – some positive, but many negative after a disappointing evening in Shropshire.
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The Black Cats saw many familiar failings return to haunt them at the Montgomery Waters Meadow, where prospective new owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus was in attendance.

We take a look at some of the key talking points from the clash:

THE GOALKEEPING DILEMMA

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus sent a clear message as Sunderland's old ghosts return to haunt them at ShrewsburyKyril Louis-Dreyfus sent a clear message as Sunderland's old ghosts return to haunt them at Shrewsbury
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus sent a clear message as Sunderland's old ghosts return to haunt them at Shrewsbury
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You know things aren't going particularly well when your name is being mentioned in the same breath as Lee Camp and Jason Steele.

Such a fate has now befallen Remi Matthews after an evening to forget at Shrewsbury.

While there was little Matthews could do about Harry Chapman’s well-taken second for the hosts, he was undoubtedly at fault for the first – as he misjudged a cross and rushed out to try and clear the danger, leaving Ethan Ebanks-Landell free to nod home from close range.

And he was fortunate not to have handed Shrewsbury a third too, after he fumbled a free-kick over the line. The linesman’s flag spared his blushes on this occasion, but there are serious doubts over the strength of Sunderland’s goalkeeping department.

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While Matthews has looked solid at times, particularly in some Papa John’s Trophy games, he has been prone to errors this term. Lee Burge, while impressive in spells, also hasn’t been without his moments of concern.

Lee Johnson gambled on a change in goalkeeper for this game and it didn’t pay off, and now he has to find a solution to what is quickly becoming a problem position.

THE LEFT-SIDED PROBLEM

Another area where concerns are quickly arising is on the left-side of the back four.

Jake Vokins has struggled since his arrival from Southampton and it’s noticeable than teams are now focusing a great number of their attacks down Sunderland’s left flank.

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Indeed, Shrewsbury’s winning goal exploited a weakness on the left as they quickly swung a ball into the left-back area – where Vokins had switched-off, and Chapman pounced.

This has been a position that has been largely up for debate since Sunderland’s drop into League One and, while Denver Hume’s return will hopefully provide some long-term stability in this area, a short-term solution needs to be found.

Otherwise, the Wearsiders will continue to see this area targeted and exploited.

ANOTHER DEFENSIVE INJURY

Once again, Sunderland’s defensive options are starting to look stretched.

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Jordan Willis’ evening ended after just two minutes and Johnson is now fearing he could be without the centre back for a prolonged period.

Sunderland are also without long-term absentee Arbenit Xhemajli, while there are lingering concerns over Tom Flanagan too.

That leaves Bailey Wright and Dion Sanderson as the club’s only senior central defenders.

While the likes of Oliver Younger could step up into the side, and Conor McLaughlin and Luke O’Nien could move into a more central role, it’s a position of concern for Sunderland moving forward – particularly given the hectic schedule, and the fact Sanderson is cup-tied in the Papa John’s Trophy.

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As we saw last season with Tommy Smith, it would not be a surprise if the Black Cats begin to monitor the free agent market – especially now the League One salary cap has been overruled.

A LACK OF SERIOUS INCISION

How many times have we said this in the last three years?

Sunderland once again looked blunt when attacking at Shrewsbury. There were the odd moments of promise, but the Black Cats failed to construct many positive patterns of play in Shropshire.

Aside from the goal, most of the visitors’ chances came from moments of individual brilliance – mainly from Aiden McGeady.

The winger forced opposition stopper Matija Sarkic into some good stops from distance, but he was otherwise relatively untested on an evening where a familiar failing returned to haunt Sunderland.

PROMISING SIGNS IN THE FORWARD AREAS

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That said, there was one real moment of promise in the forward areas – and it lead to Sunderland’s goal.

Charlie Wyke battled well to win back the ball and then showed good awareness to prod into a good area – which strike partner Aiden O’Brien had shown equally good awareness to run into.

The Irishman did the rest, finishing well to open the scoring.

It’s an encouraging sign as the pair look to build-up a rapport, and such link-up play is a key benefit to playing with a front two.

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But Sunderland still have plenty to do when it comes to creating chances for the front two to finish off.

WELCOME TO SUNDERLAND, KYRIL

Prospective owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus was in attendance at Shrewsbury and was sent a clear message to the size of the task facing him on Wearside should his takeover be given the green light by the EFL.

The 23-year-old will have known he was taking on a big task, but will now know the scale of the challenge ahead.

Sunderland's problems can’t be solved simply by throwing money at things. Louis-Dreyfus will need to be methodical, structured and focus his investment on the right areas.

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The early signs on that front have been positive – such as the overhaul of the club’s footballing operation behind the scenes – and many of the changes will be slow-burners, whose impact will only be felt in the long-term.

At Shrewsbury, Louis-Dreyfus will have been given a sight of the short-term challenges facing him should the deal go through. But he will likely remain confident his plans will improve things in the long-term.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

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Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor